Madagascar Rosewood / Cedar Guitar

This one is a Madagasar Rosewood back and sides, with Western Red Cedar soundboard. Custom inlays include a “magic beans” inlay inside the guitar on the neck block as well as custom rosette of rosewood. This one also has an arm bevel at the top of the larger bout of the guitar for a comfortable armrest.

I can’t play a guitar, but I sure know a really nice one when I see it. Absolutely gorgeous is a good description for this one (thanks Charlie).

I have wanted to build one for a long time now. I have watched a lot of videos and even bought Cumpiano’s book on the subject, but the cost of the necessary materials, transport to Norway, customs duties and handling fees just puts the price to high. All that almost doubles the cost you would pay in the States. Do you know any other way I could approach this? I can resaw up to 12”.

Stefang, you may want to check out a guitar kit. There are quite a few outlets on the web that sell them. Do a search for Luthiers Merchantile, or Guitarmakers Connection (Martin Guitars outlet). Its a great place to start and by the looks of your projects you could certainly handle it.

Gravedigger, the top is a modified Martin style brace pattern with sitka spruce for the braces.

Last week I decided I wanted to build my own guitar(s) and have since purchased and read the Cumpiano book and watched some Internet videos of the process. You appear to do a few things differently …besides using a mold, from the pics it looks like you attach the back first, stop your back braces short of the linings (instead of notching and adding stops above), and install some vertical supports in the sides.

Would you be willing to share why and/or is this a documented build method that I could check out? Have you ever used the Cumpiano method?

Also—is the neck made from a solid block cut apart and laminated with the decorative strip? Or is it made of multiple laminations?